Family

It's a joy to be with family. Often, as Salvos, we're called to be a father or mother to kids who simply need us to fill these roles for them. We must be ready to do so at any point. This only happens when we are available to others in our daily journey and it can happen without any specific work on our part.

There is a pain in the hearts of couples who are unable to have children. The alternatives are not as workable for every couple, but there are ways in which a person can connect in a paternal way. Not a replacement for a child of your own, but a role to fulfill for the glory of God.

I'd be lost without my family. Everyone needs one.

Joel 3:17 (AMP)
17 So shall you know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. Then shall Jerusalem be holy, and strangers and foreigners [not born into the family of God] shall no more pass through it.

Creative Kids Camp

One hundred plus kids spent their Easter Camp at the Creative Kids Camp, led by the Children and Youth Departments of the Eastern Victoria Division. Their finale was tonight a the Box Hill Corps and it was a blast. There was singing, dancing, audio-visual arts, drama and loads of fun for all. The campers weren't restricted to the division. We saw kids there from all four Victoria Divisions.

Loved ones, this is worth the work. The kids were constructively engrossed in what they were doing and convincing in their shining witness of God's presence. Parents, Corps Officers, friends and strangers were all proud of the kids for their accomplishments. Lord, I imagine you were too. They honored you and demonstrated your joy convincingly.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The Opal Group

As a part of the ministry of the Waverley Temple Corps, the Opal Group represents Salvos who have an acute interest in helping the poor overseas with micro-credit initiatives. Coming from successful business experiences, they have established a workable business model for these micro-businesses and are prepared to put their resources into action to serve the Lord in this way.

Is it possible that God has raised up this vibrant group of people to facilitate an even wider participating base to give international support in this way? I believe so. I thank God for each of them and will trust God for their future direction and service. Hallelujah!

Luke 19:40 (NIV)
40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

614 New Life Centre

The City Temple is the home of the 614 New Life Centre. God has been meeting there with people for 113 years. Today was no different. We worshipped Him around the moment of His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. He drew us together in His love and we laid ourselves at His feet in love with Him.

This is a very real environment with very real people. So perfectly, God, who is very real, brought healing and grace and peace to us by being there. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In love, he blends generations, cultures, and even different worlds together to His delight. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah!

Thank you Majors Brendan and Sandra Nottle for your leadership.

Luke 19:36 (NIV)
36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

Brass and more brass

Tonight at the Box Hill Corps we enjoyed the music of the Waverly Temple Youth Band, the Kew Band and the Melbourne Staff Band. It was a brass feast with many different variations of style and performance. We soaked it all in, sitting in the centre of the second row. There were moments that my hair went straight back for the powerful sound coming forth.

I'll not commit myself to having a favourite piece, but I will say I was overjoyed with the Youth Band. Their potential is unlimited and the Waverly Temple Corps musicians are to be congratulated. If there were no Youth Band, then there would eventually be no MSB or Kew Band. It's a simple reality, so let's get it together to help the kids learn and participate in worship. Hallelujah!

Psalms 98:1 (NIV)
1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Melbourne Airport

The employees and leadership of the Melbourne Airport has a healthy concern for their neighbors. So much so, that they support our work in our Jacana program considerably. This is a very important mission, close to the airport, that benefits wonderfully by the interest of the Airport. Thank God for these good citizens and their intentions to do something for the people in their neighborhood.

Just as these good people have a willingness to help others, they become partners with us in our journey to serve God by helping mankind. There are many partners out there and we need to get together even more strategically in the days to come. I look forward to the opportunities. Hallelujah!

1 John 3:18 (CEV)
18 Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.

Walking

We have the joy to be able to walk to work. It isn't far at all, nor does it involve a hill. I love coming home, unlatching the gate at the quarters and walking in the front door. No car required. Now I have had plenty of training in this department. As a child, I walked to school ten miles through two feet of snow, uphill both ways. At least that's the speech we give our kids.

Walking is good exercise. Walking is easy for most people. As a matter of fact, walking with God doesn't even require working legs or feet. Walking with Him is never uphill, nor downhill. It is never impeded by the snow or the weather in any way. Walking with Him is forever. Walking with Him is for everyone...including you and me. Hallelujah!

Proverbs 13:20 (MSG)
20 Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Reservoir

A neo is a new expression of SA ministry. One such neo is found at Shop 16, also known as Reservoir. Under the leadership of Lieutenants Cate Daniels and Gen Petersen this neo is right up the founder's proverbial alley. Today, we met them there along with their competent team and their great kids. Simultaneously, the kids enjoyed making chocolates (Carolyn helped here), colouring, and playing outdoor games (It was my first cricket game to play in).

We witnessed the grace of God through all of the leaders towards the children and their care givers. Today wasn't the day for the Bible study, but they learned a lot about the 13th chapter of First Corinthians...even the kids that don't read. Hallelujah!

Thanks, friends. You remind me of why God called us into His work.

2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Lt. Colonels John and Helen Staite

The phrase, salt of the earth comes to mind. My experience with these good folk is limited to 8 months where they have been in the office of the National Secretary of Australia in Canberra. I was there for their finish and the installation of their successor.

It's been in these encounters that we have gotten the idea that John and Helen have served the Lord with integrity and faithfulness. They are loved everywhere they go and their associates and leaders only have a high regard for them. They're in their retirement quarters now and are settling into what will likely be their longest appointment. If you know them, thank God for them. If you encounter them, consider it a privilege.

Matthew 5:16 (CEV)
16 Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

Time changes

Over the weekend we changed our clocks by moving them back one hour. In those quiet moments of the night, Australia went from five time zones to three. It was interesting today to note that a number of computers didn't take the changes so well. Some simply refused to change while others that did change, chose not to change on the calendars or diaries. Either way, when the realities changed around them, these machines who did their own thing were wrong.

With life as dynamic as it is, we're bound for change whether we like it or not. Not unlike these computers who resisted, we will find ourselves in the wrong place saying the wrong things with wrong expectations. Time to change?

2 Peter 3:9 (MSG)
9 God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.

Freedom Day

Today the Territorial Youth Department - Lt. David Collinson & company - set up Freedom Day to celebrate the anniversary of the cessation of slavery in the commonwealth countries as of 200 years ago. Under the leadership of William Wilberforce this was accomplished to the glory of God. His pastor was John Newton, former slave ship owner and eventual author of the song, Amazing Grace.

From 3 pm to 10 pm, different music groups reformed on stage on the South Bank, Melbourne while thousands of people passed by and stopped to see what was going on. In the midst of the crowd, many of the youth wore "For Sale" signs on themselves to raise the consciousness of those human beings who have been sold around the world and find themselves in slavery. It's ungodly.

John 8:36 (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Melbourne Staff Songsters

We enjoyed the concert tonight of the Melbourne Staff Songsters and friends. A few of the items included folks who have been joining them in rehearsals for a while, so they were in the concert as well. There was also the Box Hill Corps Concert Band under the direction of CSM Rob Beasey. Of course, the MSS are led by Brian Hogg. Major Laurie Robertson is the executive Officer and gave a compelling devotional tonight.

Now I've already written that it was a concert, although it would be better characterised by the word worship. At many points throughout the program, the audience joined in praise to the Lord and several songster items were gratified with silence as opposed to applause. We were blessed to have been there.

Isaiah 42:10 (CEV)
10 Tell the whole world to sing a new song to the Lord! Tell those who sail the ocean and those who live far away to join in the praise.

Partners

Our strength and our affect is exponentially multiplied by the partners we engage. In light of glorifying God, remember, He wants us to connect. "By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." Think about it. He's calling us to linkages that demonstrate the most simple of miracles...love. This is not love like between man and woman or described in a love song. It is deeper and more eternal. It includes selflessness and respect for another, unconditionally. Try it without God and you will fail. With Him, it's the miracle.

The application is as much individual as it is corporate. Will you join me in this pursuit or do you plan to go it alone?

1 John 1:3 (AMP)
3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

The Flying Padre

Major David Shrimpton is the Flying Padre in our Territory. His wife, Jenny supports him in their ministry in the Northern Territory of Australia as well as Western Australia. They fly in the dry season out of Darwin to cattle stations and schools where they minister to farmers, ranchers, their ranch hands, all of their families and many Aboriginal Peoples. They are truly God led and amazing.

We journeyed with him recently to oversee drought affected areas. In the photo above you will also see Major Lyn Cochrane, our Drought Relief Coordinator. Paul Dillon says in his song, "The waters are low, but the spirits are high..." As we flew over this area, the significance of the drought was apparent...but so is the provision of God. Another song writer wrote, "God will make a way when there seems to be no way..."

We are privileged to be a part of His solution in these dry days.

Psalms 63:1 (NIV)
1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Spiritual Day

Might this be another way to say the Sabbath or Sunday? The Training College has it right. Set aside a special day for deep spiritual reflection and considerations. Everything in the day is geared for this purpose and those participating can do so with elevated levels of expectation for these deeper hours with God.

God drew us near to Him and we enjoyed the strength of His love. His grace is again sufficient and He is altogether worthy of our worship. He receives us as we are and welcomes us even with our short comings. His love is unconditional. He desires that we seek Him. Hallelujah!

So, someone at the Training College just selects a regular day to make it Spiritual...brilliant!

1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Horsham

In the country, an incredible ministry exists...in Horsham of the Western Victoria Division. The servants in the photo are a collection of those who support this ministry with their lives and personal efforts.

Our visit was to focus on drought relief in the country and we received all that and much more. Major Lyn Cochrane, Drought Relief Coordinator helped us to see the affects of the drought from the air in the SA Cessna operated by the Flying Padre, Captain David Shrimpton. We also visited a farm and met with the family there. Our concern for the farmers and their families is well placed.

At the corps, we were greeted by the Soup Kitchen team, witnessed the ministry of the Truly Heavenly Hair and Beauty salon of the corps, and met with a number of uniformed Salvos to share the Word of God. Thank you, Lord for these faithful people and these many ministries in your name.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Strength

How's your strength? Did you ever see a Charles Atlas advert and secretly desired to be like him? I know this is a male question, ladies, try to use your imagination. I have seen adverts about body building for women too. The point has to do with our concept of strength. I really wasn't thinking of muscles anyway. I was thinking of inner strength.

Even the least physically fit person can have a strength that serves the motivation of that person. This strength helps us with our disciplines and gives us courage for the day. It's where this strength dissipates that depression begins to take over.

We are designed to draw this strength from the Lord, a holy and eternal source. If we look elsewhere for this strength, we will only be disappointed and discouraged. The Lord delights in the relationship that depends upon His strength. Go for it and enjoy the life.

Exodus 15:2 (NIV)
2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Moreland City Corps

Sharing it's location with the Melbourne Central Divisional Headquarters, the Moreland City Corps is a fine expression of dynamic Salvationism. We shared there in worship today along with Majors Brian and Jenny Pratt from DHQ. The local officers and the corps leaders, Majors Stephen and Chris Black and Major Kaye Seccombe are enjoying a Godly atmosphere of interested worshipers and effective support groups in music, technology and more.

If you're near the neighborhood or know someone who is. Send them over to this corps. They'll be warmly welcomed and embraced by the Spirit of God through those who are there. There is a growing, healthy corps here. Hallelujah!

1 John 1:7 (NIV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Waiting

Waiting in line for something can be disconcerting. Does it seem to you that when you're waiting in line and there are two lines, that the other line is moving faster? Do you ever change your mind when you were planning to do something and upon discovering a long line, you changed your mind? How about after you die, you find yourself in a line? Can you imagine where you've arrived?

In our A.D.D. world, waiting is less and less expected and mostly unappreciated. The expression, "I can't wait to..." is a common phrase in most of our vocabularies. So when the Scriptures call us to wait upon the Lord, how do we do it? I suggest we do so not as if we were sitting on our hands in a waiting room, but rather as a waiter in a restaurant, serving Him. Waiting upon the Lord is our service.

Psalms 33:20 (NIV)
20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Connecting

This is an essential aspect of the Christian faith: Connecting. Isolationism and seclusion are not strong cards of our life. We just need to get out more often. All of us. The getting out is more than going out. It is in the connecting that we foster and facilitate relationships. It is in the relationships that we grow and support others to do the same. Did I mention that it can actually be fun?

Let's not be couch potatoes. Get up from the computer screen or X-Box. Make a move for the door and meet some people. We are made in the image of God. Want to see God? Get out and get it on. Get it together and get together. Look for God in the Connections. Going to make Connections? I am.

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.